Neale-Wade Academy recently welcomed Group Captain David Boreham, regional commandant of the RAF Air Cadets on a visit to the school.

Group Captain Boreham was welcomed by the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) staff, Contingent Commander, Flying Officer Mark Twigge and pilot officers Jamie Russell, Helen Parks and Sam Mandley.

The CCF parade was led by Cadet Flight Sergeant Charlie Gatty.

The CCF was set up as an RAF Section between Neale-Wade Academy and Cromwell Community College in September 2022.

Supported by Sergeant Trevor Sanderson, from RAF Honington, the section recruited more than 30 Year 9 cadets from the two schools.

Since September, the cadets have been working towards their First Class Cadet Certificate which involves studying topics such as history of the RAF, aircraft of the RAF, radio communications and map reading.

Sgt Sanderson organised a trip to London to visit RAF historical landmarks such as the Battle of Britain Memorial and St Clements Church.

During Gp Capt Boreham’s visit each cadet received the First Class Cadet Certificate. The cadets then demonstrated some of their skills to the visitors present.

Gp Capt Boreham said ‘Congratulations to every cadet of Neale-Wade Academy and Cromwell Community College for their first milestone and for achieving their First Class Certificates.

Considering the CCF RAF Contingent only started in September, it was fantastic seeing the cadets working so well as a team and looking so smart on Parade. It was an impressive turnout and welcome to the RAF Air Cadet Team. I look forward to seeing the Contingent going from strength to strength.

Graham Horn, principal of Neale-Wade Academy said: ‘We are proud of the work our staff and cadets have put in to make our CCF Contingent a success.

"We look forward to recruiting more students next year. Providing a range of opportunities in and out of the classroom is fundamental to our curriculum at Neale-Wade.

Our RAF Section is one of these opportunities. Our cadets are already showing success through the activities they have been involved with and this in turn will develop their own confidence and thus pride in themselves and their community’.

Jane Horn, principal, Cromwell Community College added ‘It’s fantastic to see our young people are developing new skills through our RAF Section. We are already promoting our most promising cadets and putting forward these young people for Leadership Training at the RAF Cadet Centre in Inskip, Lancashire.

"These cadets will support with the leadership of our Section alongside our other senior cadets."